Learn more about Remote Access to computers

Applies To: Windows Home Server

When you are away from home, you can use your Web browser to remotely access your Windows Home Server Console and your home computers.

When you connect to the console, you can manage Windows Home Server just like you were at home. You can perform all of the usual console tasks, such as add user accounts, add shared folders, set shared folder access, and so on.

Note

You cannot browse shared folders from the console when you connect via Remote Access. However, you can browse shared folders from the Shared Folders tab when you connect via Remote Access.

When you connect to your home computers, you can access their desktops as if you were sitting in front of them at home.

Important

Remote Access to your home-computer desktops is supported on Internet Explorer only. If you use another Web browser, you cannot access your home-computer desktops.

Home Computer Status

The Status column shows you if you can connect to a home computer.

The status column can contain the following values:

  • Available for connection

    The home computer is turned on and is available for a remote connection. Even if you see this status, you still may not be able to connect to this computer if a third-party firewall blocks the connection.

  • Offline or Sleeping

    The home computer is turned off or is in Sleep or Hibernate mode.

  • Connection disabled

    The home computer connection is either blocked by a firewall, or the remote desktop is disabled.

  • Not supported on this operating system

    The home computer is not running a supported operating system.

  • Unknown

    Windows Home Server is unable to determine the status of the home computer.

For more information, see Why can't I connect to some computers?

To connect to a computer on your home network

On the Computers tab, click the name of your home computer. You can select only computers with an Available for connection status.

To connect to the Windows Home Server Console

On the Computers tab, click Connect to your Home Server.